| Oskar Turnike
5 Criteria to Consider When Choosing a Turnstile System for Workplaces and Factories
Ensuring security and flawlessly managing personnel attendance control systems (PDKS) in a workplace, factory, or plaza entrance is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. The most effective way to regulate entry and exit traffic is to choose the right turnstile system. However, there are many different turnstile models on the market, and a wrong choice can lead to long queues during peak hours or mechanisms that malfunction in a short time.
So, what should you look for when choosing the right turnstile system for your business? Here are 5 golden criteria to consider before making a purchase:
1. Area of Use and Security Level The area where the turnstile will be installed directly determines the model you should choose.
If you are purchasing for a construction site, stadium, or strategic facility that requires high security, you should choose Full-Height Turnstiles, which completely prevent unauthorized entry.
If both aesthetics and fast transit are required for a modern plaza, holding building, or headquarters entrance, glass-winged Speed Gates / Flap Turnstiles are the right choice.
For cafeterias, gyms, or areas with standard personnel tracking, classic Tripod (Three-Arm) Turnstiles, which are both economical and long-lasting, are ideal.
2. Material Quality and Durability (Outdoor Compatibility) Will the turnstile be used indoors or outdoors? This question plays a critical role in material selection. For outdoor areas exposed to rain and humidity, turnstiles with AISI 304 or AISI 316 grade stainless steel bodies must be preferred. For indoor areas, electrostatic powder-coated bodies can be selected based on the budget. Poor quality material selection leads to serious costs such as rusting and mechanical wear within a few years.
3. Integration and Technological Infrastructure The turnstile you choose must be fully compatible with current or future card access, face recognition, fingerprint reader, or QR code systems. The main board of the turnstile mechanism should be flexible enough to communicate seamlessly with all Personnel Attendance Control Systems (PDKS) and access control panels on the market.
4. Transit Speed During Peak Periods Shift change hours in factories and large enterprises are a real test. The turnstile must react quickly during these 15-20 minute periods when hundreds of personnel enter or exit at the same time. Speed gates allow more human circulation per minute, while tripod turnstiles provide a more controlled flow. You should calculate the transit capacity accurately based on your number of personnel and shift density.
5. Emergency Scenarios and Occupational Safety How turnstile systems will react in the event of a possible fire, earthquake, or emergency evacuation is of vital importance for occupational health and safety (OHS). The turnstile you choose must have an emergency drop-arm feature or an automatic wing-opening function triggered by a signal from the fire alarm system. It is a legal obligation for the arms to drop or be easily opened manually during power cuts.
In Conclusion: Focusing only on price when choosing a turnstile system results in frequent malfunctions and high service costs in the long run. Choosing a local manufacturer that produces the right model with high material quality for the right area guarantees the security of your business for many years.